On Wednesday 2nd July, Corinne Stephenson from Forster Neighbourhood Centre (FNC) attended the Great Lakes Historic Auto Club (GLHAC) to accept a $5,000 donation. The donation is most welcome as every dollar will go towards getting the Neighbourhood Centre’s central community hub opening again on Mondays. “It is contributions like this that show the strength of the Great Lakes community to rally together to support those in need” said Corinne Stephenson. President of the Auto Club, Ron Pulling approached Forster Neighbourhood Centre earlier in the year and offered for Forster Neighbourhood Centre to be the nominated charity for their upcoming MotorFest event held each year on the June long weekend. Members of the Historic Auto Club and staff and volunteers from Forster Neighbourhood Centre worked together to sell raffle tickets and collect gold coin donations to raise these much needed funds. On presentation of the cheque, Ron Pulling said “when we heard about the great work the Neighbourhood Centre does, the members were all agreed to help in any way they could”. Through support from our local community, businesses and philanthropy trusts, the Forster Neighbourhood Centre has now raised $40,000 towards their $110,000 goal to fund a Crisis Counsellor at the centre and re-open on Mondays. Any individual, community group or business can help out by heading to the donation page on FNC’s website www.fnc.org.au/donate

Corinne Stephenson (FNC) receiving a $5,000 donation from Ron Pulling (GLHAC). Photo supplied.

The forecast looks great for Sunday; and since the rain has finally stopped, and the ground has dried out, Mid Coast Council has given the green light for the use of John Wright Park for Motorfest. See you there!

🏁 In other Motorfest news, the Rocker Cover Race Track is finally complete and painted, and ready for its inaugural Race Day at Mid Coast Ford Motorfest 2025! 🏎️

If it’s on wheels, we welcome it at Motorfest! Whether you’re showing off or just soaking it all in, there’s something for everyone at this high-octane community celebration.
📍 John Wright Park, Tuncurry
📆 Sunday, 8th June 2025
🕗 8AM–2PM

Let’s make Motorfest 2025 the biggest and boldest one yet. See you there — engines ready, spirits high!

The Rocker Cover Racetrack is almost complete, just needs a coat of paint, then it’s ready for its inaugural Race Day at Mid Coast Ford Motorfest 2025! Thank you Ron, Tony and Harvey for making this come to life!

🏁 New to Motorfest 2025 will be the inaugural Rocker Cover Racing competition 🏎️

Rocker Cover Racing gives old, unused rocker covers from actual engines a second chance at life. No longer will they be a small and unnoticed elements of a bigger product. With Rocker Cover Racing, they leave their engines and the cars they’re tightly packed in behind as they themselves become the centerpiece.

Competitors take these old rocker covers and transform them into speed machines. With wheels and axles put on and of course racing stripes (to make it go faster), the rocker covers are ready for action. The only limit – one’s creativity!

More Motorfest information can be found here.
Follow Motorfest 2025 on Facebook!

The Manning River at Taree has flooded the town to a level not seen in almost 100 years. The great flood of 1929 saw the river reach 6 metres (20 feet) above normal level. Yesterday, it peaked at 6.4 metres (21 feet). Taree is now completely cut off. Only accessible by boat or helicopter.
Taree has received over 450mm (17 inches) of rain in 24 hours, with more heavy rainfall coming. Fuel supplies are running out, electricity is out, food is dwindling, and all roads to the town are blocked by deep water.

We’ve added some photos to our gallery, depicting the devastation in and around Taree:

Click here to view the gallery

In the past 24 hours, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has responded to 892 incidents, including 130 flood rescues. The majority of these rescues occurred in the Taree, Wingham, and Glenthorne regions. Several of the rescues involved vehicles that had attempted to drive through floodwaters. As conditions worsened overnight, rising floodwaters entered numerous homes, forcing some residents to seek safety on their rooftops.

NSW SES State Duty Commander, Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone, stated that SES personnel, in coordination with other emergency service agencies, are working tirelessly to respond to rescue operations as swiftly and effectively as possible.

Approximately 2,500 emergency personnel have been deployed across affected areas, supported by 500 emergency response assets, including trucks, boats, and helicopters.

Premier Chris Minns confirmed that the federal government is prepared to provide additional support, with Defence personnel already assisting on the ground.

The NSW SES has conducted more than 500 flood rescues in the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions. SES Commissioner Michael Wassing stated that a significant number of these rescues were the result of motorists attempting to drive through floodwaters—despite repeated public warnings.

“This is precisely why we continually stress the importance of heeding safety messages,” Commissioner Wassing said. “If you can avoid travel, do so. Listen to official warnings and under no circumstances drive through floodwaters.”

He also warned that the rapidly changing conditions are leading some individuals to delay evacuation decisions until it is too late to leave safely.

Residents are strongly encouraged to download the Hazards Near Me app and stay informed through official updates on the SES website.

Mark your calendars! The Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club’s flagship event, Motorfest, is roaring back into John Wright Park, Tuncurry on Sunday, June 8th, 2025 — right in the heart of the King’s Birthday long weekend. For over 30 years, Motorfest has been the ultimate celebration of all things on wheels — and it just keeps getting bigger and better. Set against the stunning backdrop of Cape Hawke Harbour, it’s a family-friendly festival that draws thousands of visitors and auto lovers from all over.

Show. Shine. Celebrate.

Motorfest 2023 saw over 290 jaw-dropping vehicles on display — from vintage beauties to muscle-bound beasts — and we’re gearing up to outdo ourselves in 2025!

Whether you’re part of a car club or a passionate individual with a ride that turns heads, we want you there. This event is open to everyone with a vehicle of special interest, including motorcycles, and new this year: Rocker Cover Racing!

All Revved Up and Ready to Roll

🚗 Veteran, Vintage & Classic Cars 🏍 Motorcycles & Muscle Cars 🔥 Hot Rods, Street Machines & Stationary Engines 🎉 Live music, food stalls, giveaways & local vendors

There are trophies galore thanks to our generous local sponsors — including the coveted Best Club Display award and a host of prizes across a wide variety of vehicle categories.

NEW FOR 2025: Rocker Cover Racing

This quirky and creative new event is sure to turn heads and start engines (well, sort of). Grab an old rocker cover, deck it out with wheels and wild designs, and race it down the track. Fast, fun, and full of flair — it’s engineering meets imagination. The only rule? Make it roll — and make it awesome.

Fueling the Fun

🎙️ Live broadcast from Great Lakes FM 🍔 Hot food & coffee on-site 🎤 Interviews and entertainment all day long 🛠️ Stationary engine displays by the DONKS Club 🎁 All proceeds go to local charities

Thanks to the incredible support from our community — and our major sponsor Mid Coast Ford — this event continues to grow. Motorfest is FREE for the public to attend, with just a $15 display fee per vehicle.

Don’t Miss the Ultimate Day for Car Lovers

If it’s on wheels, we welcome it at Motorfest! Whether you’re showing off or just soaking it all in, there’s something for everyone at this high-octane community celebration.

📍 John Wright Park, Tuncurry
📆 Sunday, 8th June 2025
🕗 8AM–2PM

Let’s make Motorfest 2025 the biggest and boldest one yet. See you there — engines ready, spirits high!